Seth MacFarlane as Oscar host? ABC boss is 'bullish'

ABC boss Paul Lee says he's "bullish" on Seth MacFarlane as host of the Academy Awards, despite his irreverent approach to comedy and the polarizing effect he can have on viewers.

"He brings a sense of joy. He wants to be there," Lee told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour Thursday. "He's one of the funniest writers in the world. He loves the show and has a lot of respect for it. ... I think he'll bring a real contemporary feel and have a lot of fun out there."

Early morning TV viewers received a small sampling of MacFarlane's tongue-in-cheek approach when he appeared with actress Emma Stone on Thursday to announce the Oscar nominations. Lee thought he was "fantastic" and was also encouraged by the number of popular movies that landed on the nomination list.